Fashioning Modern Africanism

Idols SA's top five showcased a divine twist this Saturday, sharing the stage with gospel giants like Dr Tumi, Xolly  Mncwango,  and Betusile. The evening began with spirit-lifting gospel duets and transitioned into a selection of hits from some of Africa's most promising talents.   Opening the night, Thabo teamed up with Dr Tumi to deliver  Wafika . His performance resonated so well that Somizi credited him with holding his own alongside the gospel legend. “Round one  went  to Thabo. When you sing next to a giant like Dr Tumi and still make your presence felt, you’re doing a great job.” However, his second song,  Peru  by Fireboy DML featuring Ed Sheeran, received mixed reviews from the judges.   After her breakthrough performance last week, Princess teamed up with Xolly  Mncwango  for  Ungukuphila . She then set the stage on fire with Burna Boy's  For My Hand  featuring Ed Sheeran. The judges loved her vocal strength but reminded her of the importance of a holistic perfor

Last night Idols SA  season 19 contestants brought romance as they sang songs that make weddings fun, d espite the pressure being the most intense it’s been so far, this week’s  Idols SA  edition was a celebratory one, as the newly minted top 9 hit the stage in their wedding best. Following viewer votes, making it to the  Idols SA  season 19 top 9, in no particular order, were: Niikiey, Lungelo, Faith, Nkosi, Thando, Princess, Thabo, Envic, and Sena. Sadly, it was time for Lungile to say goodbye to  Idols SA . The theme saw the top 9 perform songs from the ultimate South African wedding playlist, bringing i-step to the florally decked-out Mosaïek Teatro stage.  Niikiey kicked off the show with Malaika’s  Mmatswale , to praise from the judges. Somizi Mhlongo had career words of advice: “Do you want to make a lot of money in music? Then this is your genre, mntwan’am. It was your concert.” Next to take the stage was Lungelo, who took on Etta James’  At Last . The judges loved her performa

The Gents had a tough act to follow after the ladies last week, but were up to the task The second live show of  Idols SA  season 19 saw the men of the top 12 throw their hats in the ring for a place in the final-ever top 10. Just like their female counterparts did last week, the guys collaborated with former  Idols SA  winners and finalists for stunning duets. Five guys and five girls will make up the top 10 being announced next week, chosen entirely by viewers’ votes. First to take the Mosaïek Teatro stage was Thando, who teamed up with season 11 winner Karabo to sing his track  Khakhati . His solo showing was Kaylow’s  Noma . JR Bogopa and Somizi Mhlongo commented that it was a “good way to start the show”, with the latter saying: “You are one of the best vocalists in this competition.” Next up was Faith, whose duet with season 14 winner Yanga was Hillsong’s  So Will I . His solo song was Bhudaza’s  Tjontjobina , earning praise from all judges. Thembi declared: “Take me to church ri

The ladies performed duets with high-profile past contestants and winners for a killer show High emotion, higher notes and blockbuster duets: that’s how the first live show of  Idols SA  season 19 kicked off. The six ladies who are part of the top 12 set the stage ablaze, performing at the Mosaïek Teatro in Johannesburg in front of a spirited 2 500-strong audience.   With their fate now entirely in viewers’ hands, the performers sang their hearts out for precious votes by teaming up with former  Idols SA  winners and finalists, before going at it alone.   Kicking things off was Lungile, who collaborated with season 14 winner Yanga on  Not Yet Uhuru  by Letta Mbulu. Her solo performance was a rendition of Lloyiso and Langa Mavuso’s  Inhliziyo . Thembi Seete called Lungile’s performance “a powerful way to start the show”, while Somizi Mhlongo said: “You were quite nervous in your first song, but your second one redeemed you to the core. Now I am going to remember you.”   Next up was Niik